The 1982 summer school on nuclear physics, organized by the Nuclear Physics Division of the Netherlands' Physical Society, was the fifth in a series that started in 1963. The number of students attending has always been about one hundred, coming from about thirty countries. The theme of this year's school was symmetry in nuclear physics. This book covers the material presented by the enthusi astic speakers, who were invited to lecture on this subject. We think they have succeeded in presenting us with clear and thorough introductory talks at graduate or higher level. The time schedule of the school and the location allowed the participants to make many informal contacts during many social activities, ranging from billiards to surf board sailing. We hope and expect that the combination of a relaxed atmosphere during part of the time and hard work during most of the time, has furthered the interest in, and understanding of, nuclear physics. The organization of the summer school was made possible by substantial support from the Scientific Affairs Division of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Netherlands' Ministry of Education and Science, the Foundation Physica and the Nether lands' Physical Society."

After the success of the previous summer schools organized by the Nuclear Physics Division of the Netherlands' Physical Society in 1975 and 1977, we thought it worthwhile to continue this tradition. The immediate very positive reactions received from all invited speakers encouraged us to proceed with the orgaization. Although the number of students had to be restricted to about one hundred, the international character of the School was evident from about thirty nationalities which were represented. The material contained in this book covers the talks given by all speakers invited to lecture on the subject of nuclear structure research. These proceedings should therefore serve as an excellent introduction to many topics of current interest in this exciting field. We hope that the lectures and discussions as well as the many informal contacts made during the various social activities will greatly stimulate interest in nuclear structure investigations among all the participants. The organization of the summer school has been made possible by substantial support given by the Scientific Affairs Division of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Netherlands' Ministry of Education and Science and the Netherlands' Physical Society. The invaluable help of the "Bureau Congressen" of the Ministry of Education and Science and the friendly assistance of the manage ment of the College of Agriculture in Dronten contributed greatly to the pleasant atmosphere during the summer school."